It’s almost here! 6 months off work… let the gallivanting begin!
The idea of writing a blog is a bit daunting in this day of 140 character count but I did keep a diary when I went on exchange in Chile in 1993, so surely I must be able to engage that part of the brain again, and at least this time I don’t have to handwrite it!
I love the word ‘gallivanting’.. I just looked up the official meaning and it came back with two definitions:
1) To go about usually ostentatiously or indiscreetly with members of the opposite sex
I’ve never found French men to be overly attractive, plus I have a husband and not sure how he would feel about that, so I guess that one is out..
2) To travel, roam, or move about for pleasure
That is exactly what I plan to do, whether it be from Mont Blanc to Montreux or from the kitchen to the lounge room, it is my goal to make the most of every opportunity and find happiness every day.
We have been planning this trip for a couple of years now, a lot of it formulated in places like our spa with a view in Santorini – how can you not sit here and wonder what it would be like to be on holidays for 6 months!
We also wondered the same thing many a time after few après drinks in Whistler
And we also spent every Saturday morning plotting at our favorite breakfast haunt in Darlinghurst
So what’s the plan?
First stop Perth early November
What a great place to ease into unemployment! My beautiful hometown where I plan to spend quality time with the fam, lie on the beach, and forget how to merge lanes.
It coincides with my nephew’s 7th birthday – he currently has no front teeth and has his hair long in braids because he wants to look like Legolas from lord of the rings.
Next onto the UK
More family catch ups including my darling nonagenarian Gran. A few days in hip & happening London, including catching The Book of Mormon which I’ve heard is hilarious.
We are then going to head North for a short road trip, inspired in part by the 2010 movie ‘The Trip’ where two comedians eat their way around Yorkshire & the Lakes district, and also a desire to visit the cute 8th century church in Heysham where my parents got married.
We purposefully start our trip in York on a Sunday so that I can find the best Sunday Roast and Yorkshire pudding! I thought we would drive back via Wales but really don’t know much about that area. I do like a good castle – suggestions anyone?
Then off to the mainland.
I’m going to catch up with my dear friend Johana who I met on a Peru ‘educational’ (free work junket) and who has since moved back to Prague.
We are going to spend my birthday in Salzburg doing the sound of music tour (Andrew is thrilled…)
Then we start a Christmas markets tour with Andrew’s mum that goes from Oberammergau to Wurzberg. I’m a travel agent and I’m embarrassed to say that haven’t heard of these towns, but I know I will love them because they are big on gingerbread and mulled wine.
And then our plans get less planned. We have rented an apartment in Annecy for 3.5 months! It is seriously beautiful – google it! Or just scroll back up and look at the main picture.
Why did we choose Annecy?
Like many people all over the world, there are so many aspects to French culture we love. The food, wine, music, cinema, history, architecture, the language, did I mention the food?
Even the cat’s number one choice of box is Le Creuset
We also love the snow, mountains, and snow boarding but didn’t want to stay in a transient ski resort with lots of other tourists. Annecy has four mountains within an hours drive so it definitely ticks that box.
So the plan is to go up to the mountains when the conditions suit, and then when they don’t, travel, eat cheese, and drink wine!
And this is where you come in! Most of my amazing friends & clients have done more gallivanting than myself in this area (referring to the second definition, although perhaps the first too?!?).
I would love any ideas, recommendations, advice on what we should do, where we should go, what we should eat, for these 3.5 months, so please leave your suggestions below. We have a car and a train pass so if you feel like there is something we shouldn’t miss, let me know!
If you were wondering what Mondeuse is, it is a red grape variety that comes from the Savoy (Annecy) area. Randomly enough I first heard of it on a wine tasting day trip in Canberra. The people at the Mount Majura vineyard also told me how to pronounce it so I can sound cultured to the locals. ‘Mondeuse rhymes with furs’
Maybe see if your bottle shop stocks it next time you are in and have a virtual drink with me!
The Bon Vivant 
18 thoughts on “Plan to gallivant”
Anthea Harris
Chuffed that you are going to Heysham. You are one of the twinkles in Bob’s eyes. Mum xx
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AC
Amazing….the countdown is on!
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Anonymous
Amazing Emily – have an amazing time xx
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Anonymous
Have a fabulous time, you lucky thing!
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Letitia
Sounds wonderful and I will be following your every move and mouthful 😙 (Abergavenny Castle is a lovely castle ruin in Wales) x
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Andrew Harris
You might be interested to know that there’s a hotel called the Gallivant, and earlier this year I gallivanted off there to review it. It’s just outside the delightful town of Rye, ( thegallivant.co.uk) on the Kent coast, handy for the channel tunnel, and right on Camber sands. There was a drama half way through dinner and the kitchen had to close, so I wasn’t able to write it up in the end, but you’re affinity for the word Gallivant is clearly not an isolated one ! Nonagarian granny is very much aware of your imminent arrival and very excited about it
X
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Kathy
What a wonderfully interesting blog already. I hope you have a wonderful time, Emily, and I’m looking forward to following your journey. x
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mondeuseandmountains
Thanks Kathy, I’ll have fun researching future ski holidays for you
X
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ailsabw
In Grenoble we were introduced to a lovely alternative to ‘kir royale’ using liqueur de chataigne (chestnut liquour) with champagne instead of cassis. Very easy to drink!
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mondeuseandmountains
Sounds delicious, I will definitely give that a go!
X
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Danni
Can’t wait to hear about all your adventures!! It’s going to be amazing!!! I’ve been through Oberammergau and that part of Germany it is so pretty! Lookign froward to all the updates XX
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ninakhalil
Fantastic Em! Have a great trip guys, we will live vicariously through you guys for the next 6 months. Enjoy xxoox
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andrem2013
Lovely part of the world. Ex-local is only correct if you use the Australian scale. I grew up near Zürich and spent my youth in the German part. I got engaged in Cully on Lake Geneva and and spent some holidays in the area. But other than that I haven’t spent much time in the French part of Switzerland. But when, or if you travel to Switzerland, I will try the jog my memory. Have a great time.
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mondeuseandmountains
Thanks Andre! My good friend lives in Cully so I will definitely be visiting there 😊
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Cydne Williams
You’re my hero! I enjoyed reading this so much Em. Already looking forward to the next instalment, – and seeing you both in a couple of days. X
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Chris
Hi Emily & Andrew
Awesome plan – just a quick note on Welsh castles. Around Regis time last year we went to Carnarvon where they have a mega castle. Awesome guest house called Victoria House run by Jan. It forms part of the castle walls at the back. http://Www.thevictoriahouse.co.uk
Chris & Liz
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mondeuseandmountains
Thanks Chris & Liz! I’ve just booked a place in Conwy which looks pretty close to carnarvon so I’m try & check it out, thanks for the tip!
Cheers
Emily
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Johana
All I can say I so look forward to meeting you all. Here in Prague (you dont know what I have in plan for you 🙂 ) and then trips to Cesky Krumlov and Salzburg to celebrate your bday. xxx
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